Maternity

The best pregnancy (and parenting) podcasts for new mums to listen to

When you’re navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy or being a new mum, podcasts can be a lifeline. They’re a friendly voice in your ear that can help to combat loneliness whilst providing a mix of comfort, laughs and practical advice. With the extent of subjects, perspectives and personal stories on offer, the format became essential listening for me both before and during pregnancy. Later, during maternity leave, my favourite times to listen were during longer pram walks, the quiet of nap times with my new baby and during my own sleepless nights.

Illustration of a vintage-style microphone on a stand to symbolise the podcast profession. The dark accent of the microphone and the circular shape behind it contrast with the image's soft pastel gradient background of pink, blue and yellow.

The range of pregnancy and parenting podcasts out there suited to prospective parents, expectant parents, single parents, partners, and even just involved family members is staggering. I’ve sampled plenty over the last several years, drawn to ones with a good mix of evidence-based information and hilarious lived experiences. Although nearly all of the podcasters listed here are UK-based, their perspectives are universally relatable and are driven by the twin desire to educate and entertain. Hence, it’s been my pleasure to revisit some really great episodes in curating this list of the 12 best podcasts for new mums (or new moms, depending on your side of the pond).

1. Is It Normal? The Pregnancy Podcast with Jessie Ware

The design features a stylised silhouette of a mum's pregnant belly and breast against a pink and yellow background. The title, "Is It Normal?" is written in playful, bold white letters, followed by the subtitle, "The Pregnancy Podcast with Jessie Ware," in smaller text.

This podcast, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Ware, offers a deeply personal and informative look at pregnancy. Recorded every two weeks during her own pregnancy, Jessie shares her journey across a wide range of topics by speaking with experts in the fields of maternal health, prenatal care and mental health support. With 37 episodes (plus a few bonus ones), each lasting an accessible 20-40 minutes on average, the show provides short and snappy insights for listeners. 

Once Jessie completes the weeks of pregnancy, the podcast shifts focus to the experiences and challenges of postpartum care and early motherhood. Through these episodes, she performs deep dives into topics like breastfeeding, doulas, pelvic health, and maternal mental health. This makes it a perfect companion for new mothers seeking a relatable fourth trimester podcast with expert-backed advice and reassurance. 

2. Child – BBC Sounds

A minimalist and artistic cover featuring a baby's profile illuminated by soft cosmic light, with a nebula in the background. The title "CHILD" is in large, capitalised text, accompanied by the BBC logo and "4" to indicate BBC Radio 4.

Hosted by journalist, documentary producer and podcast presenter India Rakusen, Child is a fascinating examination of the beginnings of life. Available on the BBC Sounds app, this podcast tells the story of a child from the point of fertilisation through their first year of life on this planet, weaving together insights from society, history, and science. Each episode delves into a specific aspect of growing and raising a child, exploring topics such as how human life unfolds, the birth of a mother, the choice of a birth plan, bonding, milk, sleep, and more. The final episode of this award-winning series concludes with a reflection on a child’s first birthday and what babies can teach us. 

While incredibly insightful, this podcast is also very intense and thought-provoking, requiring much more focus than some of the others on the list. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking for easy background listening. 

3. The Real Birth Podcast

A minimalist design with a deep purple background. The title "The Real Birth Podcast" is in lowercase white text within a rectangular outline at the top. Below it, a circular icon represents a simplistic depiction of a womb in white.

Hosted by Lucy Hill, a doula and mum, this entry offers brutally honest, personal birth stories from real parents. The first podcast episode aired in 2022, recounting Lucy’s own experiences. Over the following two years, she shared 36 additional real-life stories, culminating in Summer 2024. The format is an in-depth, hour-long episode dedicated to giving listeners a raw and authentic look at the realities of childbirth. Each episode title is thoughtfully descriptive, making it easy to find discussions on specific topics you might be curious about. If you’re looking for relatable, unfiltered insights into the birth experience, this podcast is a must-listen.

4. Happy Mum Happy Baby

The cover features Giovanna Fletcher, a brunette woman with a warm smile, wearing a purple blouse. The text "Happy Mum Happy Baby" is in a bold, light indigo font on a pastel purple background, with her name and a small heart-shaped logo in the bottom left corner.

Hosted by actress, author, and presenter Giovanna Fletcher, Happy Mum Happy Baby is a hugely popular and highly rated podcast involving heartfelt conversations with celebrity guests and experts. These episodes cover the highs, lows, challenges and rewards of being a mother, whether parenting with a partner, co-parenting or going it alone as a single mom. One of her most high-profile guests was the Duchess of Cambridge, adding to the podcast’s star-studded appeal. Since its launch in 2017, the show has built an extensive back catalogue of episodes, with new ones still being regularly uploaded. Whether you’re looking for relatable stories or expert advice, this beloved podcast is a great listen.

5. Am I Ovary Acting?

A podcast cover featuring two blonde-haired women. They are dressed in vibrant colours, one wearing a blue faux fur coat and smiling playfully while the other, pouting, wears a glossy pink coat with magenta faux fur sleeves, positioned over the other’s shoulder as if getting a piggy-back ride. The title "Am I Ovary Acting?" is displayed in bold black text with a stylised ovary illustration replacing the "O". The subtitle reads "with Amber and Annabel" in smaller text.

A recent discovery of mine, Am I Ovary Acting? has quickly become a series I thoroughly enjoy (linked here to Apple Podcasts). It is hosted by Amber Izzo, an infertility blogger and activist, and her close friend Annabel Gurnett, a content creator and podcaster. Together, the duo dive into their personal experiences with both infertility and IVF. Known for its raw honesty, vulnerability, and humour, the podcast explores topics like fertility, careers, relationships, social media, body image and self-image.

Each episode begins with light-hearted updates and chats from the hosts, followed by a listener-submitted “Ovary Action” question for the pair to discuss. One thing to note is that the podcast does include some swearing, so it’s best enjoyed when little ears aren’t around! For anyone navigating similar struggles or simply seeking unfiltered and relatable discussions, this podcast is a fantastic listen. Amber and Annabel really make you feel like you’re sitting amongst friends. 

6. Locked Down. Knocked Up.

The podcast cover shows a new mum and dad, Rob and Gemma Howard, standing against an orange background with up and downward-pointing red arrows. The man has a sheepish expression and holds a baby's white vest, while the woman looks shocked, holding breast pumps. The title "Locked Down, Knocked Up" is in bold white text with a black downward-pointing arrow in the O of the word “down” and an upward-pointing arrow in the O of the word “knocked.”

Hosted by married radio presenters Rob and Gemma from Capital FM and Heart FM, Locked Down Knocked Up is a light-hearted and entertaining podcast born from unexpected circumstances. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple found themselves unexpectedly pregnant and decided to share their journey. With episodes averaging 30 minutes, the series offers easy listening packed with humour and relatable anecdotes. At just 13 episodes long, it’s a quick and enjoyable podcast to complete – a great way to get a bit of light relief when you don’t have a lot of time to spare.

7. Maybe Baby / Boj & Kate Have a Lot on Their Plate

A light-hearted podcast cover featuring a couple, Kate and Boj, sitting on a white couch holding two babies. The man smiles, while the woman appears humourously alarmed. The text "Maybe Baby" is displayed at the top in a circular format with a baby face illustration.
The cover shows a man and woman against a background filled with illustrations of fresh produce like tomatoes and peppers. The man, bald with a beard, wears a black apron, and the woman, blonde with a surprised expression, wears a lime green knit top with floral patterns. The title, "Boj & Kate Have A Lot on Their Plate," is displayed in bold white text on a red background.

Hosted by radio presenter Kate Lawler and her husband Boj, Maybe Baby is a refreshingly candid podcast that begins by tackling a deeply personal and often taboo question: does Kate actually want to have children? 

In Season 1, the couple sits down with various guests to explore different aspects of parenthood, using these conversations to help them decide whether having kids is right for them. By Season 2, (spoiler alert!) Kate and Boj made their decision and were expecting. This season chronicled their pregnancy journey, with the final episode recorded just 2 weeks before Kate gave birth. 

Although the original series ended, fans will be delighted to know that 3.5 years later, Kate and Boj returned with a new podcast, Boj & Kate Have a Lot on Their Plate. This follow-up series blends recipes, parenting, relationships, and discussions around everyday issues as a family, giving listeners another chance to enjoy their unique and entertaining dynamic. 

8. Motherkind

The podcast cover features Zoe Blaskey, a speaker on modern motherhood. She is a woman with blonde hair, resting her head on her hand with a thoughtful expression. The title "Motherkind" is displayed in an elegant black font against a splash of white over a soft pink background. Sponsored by Stokke is noted in smaller text with the brand's logo.

Hosted by Zoe Blaskey, a transformational coach and speaker on modern motherhood, Motherkind is a podcast designed to support mums in finding their calm and happiness amidst the chaos of everyday life. Zoe introduces some of the best wellbeing teachers from around the world to cover a wide variety of topics. These include managing mum guilt, self-care strategies during the fourth trimester, mindfulness, and balancing work and parenting. Episodes range from 40 to 60 minutes, offering insightful and thought-provoking content for those looking to prioritise their wellbeing. With over 500 episodes to choose from at the time of writing, this parenting podcast is a treasure trove of guidance for navigating the challenges of motherhood. 

9. Two New Mums

A vibrant podcast cover featuring two women with contrasting expressions. The woman on the left has dark hair in a bun and wears a colourful printed top, smiling brightly. The woman on the right has long dark hair, a serious expression, and wears a pale blue shirt with a floral pattern. The title "Two New Mums" is in bold, retro-style orange text on a blue background adorned with illustrations of microphones and headphones. A "Busy Bees" logo, indicating sponsorship, is located in the bottom right corner.

Hosted by Amy and Jennie, Two New Mums is a comedic and relatable podcast from two friends who hilariously admit to having “not a clue between them.” 

The duo fell pregnant just two days apart, and their podcast chronicles everything from pregnancy and birth to their adventures in new motherhood. Previously known for their podcast Two Non Blondes, Amy and Jennie bring their signature humour and honesty to this series. With 140 episodes and counting, there’s plenty of content to dive into. They tackle a wide range of topics, from mum rage and pumpkin patches to navigating friendships with child-free friends. The podcast also features guest appearances, adding extra layers of insight and laughter to their candid chats. Perfect for mums who need a good laugh and a reminder that they’re not alone in figuring it all out! 

10. Parenting Hell

A fun and chaotic podcast cover featuring comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe against a colourful, scribbled background reminiscent of young children’s drawings. The title "Parenting Hell" is spelled out in building block-style letters, with their names in smaller text at the top.

Parenting Hell is a much-loved podcast and one of the most frequently recommended to me by friends and family. Hosted by comedians and dads Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, this twice weekly podcast dives into the hilarious and relatable woes of parenting. The pair’s frank, comedic approach often leaves me laughing out loud, making it a great choice for those moments when you need a pick-me-up. Alongside sharing their own parenting experience, Rob and Josh also chat with celebrity parents about how they’re coping – or not coping! Launched during lockdown in 2020, the podcast has stood the test of time and is still going strong almost five years later. With a massive back catalogue of over 450 episodes, each lasting 45-60 minutes, Parenting Hell offers endless entertainment and camaraderie for parents navigating the chaos.

11. Midwife Pip Podcast

A podcast cover featuring a smiling woman wearing navy-blue scrubs, glasses, and a midwife badge, giving two thumbs up. The text "The Midwife Pip Podcast" is displayed in elegant pink and white script on a soft pink background, with a scalloped design at the bottom. The logo for "Midwife Pip" is in the top right corner, and icons for Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube are displayed at the bottom.

The Midwife Pip Podcast is a supportive and informative resource for all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, motherhood, and parenting. Hosted by Pip, a practising midwifery sister, the series brings together special guests and leading experts to share invaluable advice and insights for new parents. Since its launch during lockdown, the podcast has grown to over 190 episodes of varying lengths, with new episodes still being uploaded weekly. It’s an excellent companion for parents seeking evidence-based research and guidance from trusted professionals. Pip also maintains a highly informative and active Instagram account, packed with useful tips and resources to complement her podcast. For new mums looking for a wealth of expert-led information, this podcast is a fantastic go-to. 

12. Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

The cover of this podcast for new parents features a close-up of a baby with big eyes wearing a pink ruffled dress, sitting among plush toys. The name “Janet Lansbury” is in thin uppercase letters above the title "Unruffled" in bold, uppercase letters, with "Respectful Parenting" in smaller black text at the top.

Last, but by no means least, Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled is a must-listen for parents seeking calm, thoughtful guidance. Hosted by the wonderful Janet Lansbury, each episode addresses a listener’s question through the lens of her respectful parenting approach. This series is an excellent resource for navigating challenges once your baby arrives or even for preparing yourself ahead of time. With 365 episodes (and counting) since its launch in 2015, there’s plenty of wisdom to explore. Janet’s approach is highly child-centred, often encouraging parents to view situations from the child’s perspective. The podcast has garnered stellar reviews and is frequently recommended as an essential resource for parents seeking to build a stronger, more empathetic connection with their children.

Conclusion

This list of the best pregnancy podcasts for new mums offers a range of picks to suit different moods and needs, from the funny and light-hearted to the deeply informative and thought-provoking. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, relatable experiences, or simply a virtual companion,  this selection delivers on all three. And with enough content to last you throughout your maternity leave, and then some!

Hopefully, my breakdowns for each give you a reliable place to start your listening journey. I’d love to know which ones you try, and if there are any others you’d recommend. Together, let’s help our fellow mums make their experiences of being pregnant or parenting that little bit brighter and more connected.

P.S. If you’re looking for other ways to take care of your own needs as a new parent, then check out my post for 10 lovely things to do on maternity leave.

Posted In: Maternity

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